Sri Lanka Grapples with Dengue Crisis and Prison Aftermath Amidst Global Tensions

Investigations continue into the Negombo Prison clash, with the CID recording over 150 statements and reporting over 100 injuries

. Internationally, the US-Iran ceasefire has collapsed, with President Trump reinstating an 'Iranian blockade' in the Strait of Hormuz and imposing a 20% charge on cargo, following Iran's drone and missile strikes on US bases in Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain

. Domestically, the government is considering extending the retirement age for judges, a move unanimously rejected by the Judicial Services Association

. President Dissanayake has directed an overhaul of the public transport system

, while the trial for former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in the Greek bond case is set for July 20

. Former Minister Pillayan has been named a suspect in five 2008 Eastern Province murders and further remanded

. Six Tamil-speaking parties have formed an alliance, demanding provincial elections

. Rental aid for Cyclone 'Gitika' victims has been extended for a total of nine months

, and the Mirigama National Kidney Stone Centre is set to serve the entire island

. Sri Lanka also extended condolences on the passing of former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

. In a measure to combat dengue, protective clothing is now allowed for preschool students

.

Sri Lanka is battling an escalating dengue crisis, with 68,075 patients and 47 deaths reported year-to-date

. A special eradication program has commenced in 60 high-risk zones across seven districts, and 597 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours

. Authorities are intensifying enforcement, with a record single-day fine of Rs. 2.1 million imposed on 84 locations in Gangodawila for dengue breeding sites

. The University of Visual and Performing Arts has reopened after a two-week closure for dengue eradication

.

The death toll from the Negombo Prison clash has risen to 31, including 10 prison officers and 21 detainees, with new reports suggesting officers were killed after a shooting incident

. The Ambalangoda SJB councillor, Amitha Chathuranga Samaranayaka, has been further remanded until July 24 for illegal firearm possession

. In Dompe, a suspect was arrested, and authorities seized over 8 kilograms of 'Ice', along with landmines and weapons, with the narcotics valued at approximately Rs. 120 million

.

Global crude oil prices have seen a renewed surge, with Brent crude reaching $79.41 per barrel and WTI at $74.63 per barrel, driven by escalating US-Iran tensions and threats in the Strait of Hormuz

. Sri Lanka will commence its Yala season paddy procurement on July 13, with 148 warehouses prepared by the Paddy Marketing Board

. The country has surpassed 1.1 million tourist arrivals by June 21, generating over US$1.5 billion in foreign exchange, though earnings show a year-on-year decline

.

Multiple fatal road accidents across Sri Lanka have claimed at least 20 lives in recent days, involving various vehicle types in diverse locations

. In Bangkok, a catastrophic fire at an entertainment venue resulted in 27 confirmed deaths and over 60 injuries, with many in critical condition

.

Veteran Sri Lankan singer Mariazelle Goonetilleke passed away at 68, with fellow musicians paying an emotional tribute at her funeral by performing her iconic song 'Kandy Lamissi'

. Internationally, veteran actor Sam Neill, known for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in 'Jurassic Park', died at 78 in Sydney, Australia

.

The Meteorological Department forecasts showers for Sabaragamuwa province, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts for July 14, with strong winds of 40-50 km/h expected in several regions

.

Typhoon Bavi has made landfall in China, becoming the second typhoon to strike the country in a week, after claiming 17 lives in the Philippines

.

A football match in Hatton erupted in a brawl between the Young Mates and Norwood Sunrise teams, drawing in spectators, with Hatton Police responding to manage the situation

.